A new wildfire has erupted in Okanogan County, prompting hundreds of Washingtonians to escape from their homes, according to KOMO.
Officials confirmed that a lightning strike sparked the blaze overnight with many homes, businesses, and tribal facilities now threatened. Reporters said it's located about 15 miles north of Coulee Dam on the Colville Indian Reservation.
Nearly 500 people escaped the area, including the entire town of Nespelem. Agency, Buffalo Lake, Cache Creek, and other surrounding areas are under a Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation, as well, according to Okanogan County Emergency Management officials.
Daniel Nanamkin told reporters he watched the fire rise over the hillside east of Nespelem, producing a lot of embers and starting more fires upon landing.
"The wildfire is one of several burning in Washington state," KOMO reported. "Two of the biggest - the Burbank Fire near Yakima - has grown to 12,000 acres - and the Dry Gulch Fire near Pomeroy is now about 55,000 acres. Both fires are only about 20% contained."
Gov. Jay Inslee issued an emergency declaration earlier this month to provide more firefighting resources for communities during wildfire season. Nearby states have also been dealing with dangerous wildfires, as well, including Oregon, Arizona and California.